Council backs new scheme to promote buses and businesses

Posted: 07/11/2011 15:09:45

Herefordshire Council is working with the community in the Garway area of the county to promote bus use and local businesses.

A new leaflet has been produced with the support of Rail for Herefordshire called The Garway Bus which promotes the use of route 412 as a scenic ride to Broad Oak via Much Dewchurch, Wormelow Tump, Orcop Hill, Bagwyllydiart, Garway and St Weonards.

Aimed at encouraging more visitors to the area, the leaflet also includes routes for two walks, one a three-mile walk to Orcop Hill and the other a seven mile walk to Garway Hill, as well as details of local businesses where people can get refreshments en route.

Councillor Russell B. Hamilton, ward member for Pontrilas, said: “Rural communities are being hit hardest by the current economic climate and the idea behind this leaflet is to encourage more people to come and enjoy the beauty of this part of the county.

“While we have been successful in securing this route for now we really need more people to use it to ensure its long term viability. I hope walkers and tourists who are looking for a great day out can help with this and will be attracted to the area.

“They can come on this scenic route by bus from Hereford and while in the area, I also hope they will not only enjoy the beautiful countryside but will make a day of it and support local businesses such as pubs and restaurants. We also have some fantastic churches that are well worth visiting.

“I am appealing to all residents to do their part to help keep their rural bus services because we all know that given the severe financial pressures on council budgets we cannot keep services running unless there are used. We need to ensure these services are sustainable into the future as they provide a vital lifeline for our rural communities.

“Local communities throughout the county need to support both bus services and their local businesses, I am hoping similar leaflets can be produced in other rural areas to provide a further boost for tourism and businesses in the county,” he added.

To promote the new Garway Bus, Councillor Hamilton, Les Lumsdon and a group of Rail for Herefordshire and Ramblers Association members walked both of the routes, with a lunchtime refreshment stop at the Fountain Inn at Orcop.

Les Lumsdon, who lives in Ludlow, said: “I really believe in the rural economy. Local pubs, shops and buses are part of what the makes the rural landscape. I am a keen rambler and member of CAMRA and really want to support local pubs and tea shops so they can continue to provide us with refreshments as we walk around the county. We really want to encourage others to enjoy what we enjoy.”

Cheryl Lloyd, landlady of the Fountain Inn at Orcop added: “We think this leaflet is an excellent idea to get more people to use the bus and to come and enjoy the wonderful countryside that surrounds us. We would be very happy to open at any time especially for any walking parties as long as they give us advance notice.

“We really want the pub to remain at the heart of the village and the more people we can get to use it, the more we will be able to extend our opening hours,” she added.

For further information about Herefordshire buses, log onto www.herefordbus.info or call traveline on 0871 2002233.